He also took aim at EU agencies for issuing guidance to businesses on the post-Brexit landscape, covering everything from company law to transport, without mentioning the possibility of a transition period.

Davis told the prime minister he would appeal to the European Commission to change its guidance and warned the EU's current stance amounted to "potential breaches of the UK's rights as a member state".

A legal challenge would however be high-risk and lengthy, Davis said he had been told by advisers.